The latest seizure followed a tip-off from a resident about a bar known as Moon Life, located in Nyabugogo Cell, Muhima Sector, where prohibited alcoholic drinks were allegedly being sold.

When police searched the bar, they found several brands of the banned drinks, including 28 bottles of Konyagi, 26 of K-Vant, 16 of Kiwingo, 16 of Indiko Gin, six of Gilbey’s, five of Bond Seven and three of Bazoka.

The bar manager, 27-year-old Tuyishime Claire, was arrested and detained at Muhima Police Station. The seized drinks were subsequently destroyed.

The seizure comes days after police and other security agencies recovered a much larger stock of prohibited alcoholic beverages in Rusororo Sector, Gasabo District.

During operations conducted on October 10 and 11, officers, working alongside local authorities and residents, raided a storage facility in Kabeza Village. They recovered 192 cartons of alcoholic drinks described by police as counterfeit.

The products included Kiwingu, King Vodka, GS Run, Saint Nero, Home Town, Medal Gin and Gorilla Warage, among other brands.

The alleged owner of the stock, identified as Gatete Aimable, remains at large as authorities continue searching for him. The seized drinks were destroyed.

Another operation on October 4 led to the recovery of more banned alcoholic beverages at the home of Mbonimpa Idrissa, 29, in Kalisimbi Village, Kabuga I Cell, also in Rusororo Sector.

Police recovered four cartons and 36 bottles of Konyagi, two cartons and 32 bottles of Gilbey’s, along with various quantities of Kiwingo, Rack Gin, Bazoka, Gin Camp Fire, Hanson, Nobillis and other brands.

Mbonimpa, who reportedly operates a shop in Kabeza Village, fled before he could be apprehended and is still being sought by authorities.

CIP Gahonzire Wellars, the Kigali City Police spokesperson, said the repeated seizures suggest that some traders continue to sell the prohibited drinks despite restrictions.

He urged residents to share information with authorities whenever they suspect that such products are being sold, including through hidden or informal channels.

Gahonzire also warned the public against consuming the drinks, stressing that they could endanger people’s health.

The latest operations highlight the continued challenge facing authorities as they work to stop the circulation of prohibited and counterfeit alcoholic beverages and protect consumers from potentially harmful products.